Fundraising solicitations on behalf of the Foundation will be truthful and accurately describe the activities and the intended use of donated funds.

The Foundation embraces the following core values that together are reflected in the way we work toward our mission, with each other, and our community. These values were developed by Foundation staff and adopted by the Foundation’s Board of Directors:

The Foundation will not make claims that cannot be upheld. We will refrain from using marketing materials or making representations that could be misleading. The Foundation will not exploit its beneficiaries. It will be sensitive in describing those it serves (whether using graphics, images or text) and fairly represent their needs and how these needs will be addressed.

In 2021, the Foundation created the Grand Story Partners Program. The Grand Story Partners Program is the Foundation’s primary means of capturing the stories of patients and families. Each story portrays the quality of care people receive throughout their experiences at Grand River Hospital. The Program seeks to offer an inspiring and engaging account of the person's experience, and depicts Grand River as part of a world-class health system.

Grand Story Partners either self-select or are identified by a staff member. They are individuals and families who are willing and honoured to share their story for fundraising purposes. The Program gives people a way of giving back to the hospital for the specific care they received. Any time a patient or family is referred to the Foundation, we follow a protocol to ensure all privacy legislation and hospital policies and procedures are followed.

People's stories are told through a variety of print and electronic media, such as publications, social media, email, proposals, newsletters, brochures, websites, fundraising television and radio broadcasts. Grand Story Partners are also called upon to act as spokespeople for media events or public events that require a personal story.

The Foundations is sensitive to the changing circumstances of the Partners and their stories, and will pull their story from circulation in order to respect their wishes and privacy

When a Partner is selected for an opportunity, we will ensure that they are fully briefed about the nature of the event or project.

Consent and accuracy are key. A consent form must be completed for all Grand Story Partners who have agreed to share their story.

All staff and volunteers as well as relevant third party organizations sign agreements with confidentiality provisions in place to ensure that the information is not accessed, disclosed or shared more widely than is necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was gathered. We also take measures to ensure the integrity of this information is maintained and to prevent its being lost or destroyed.

Volunteers, employees and third party consultants/solicitors who solicit or receive funds on behalf of the Foundation shall

• respect and follow Foundation and Hospital Values
• act with fairness, integrity, and in accordance with all applicable laws;
• adhere to the provisions of applicable professional codes of ethics, standards of practice, etc.;
• cease solicitation of a prospective donor who identifies the solicitation as harassment or undue pressure, or who states that they do not wish to be solicited
• disclose immediately to the Foundation any actual or apparent conflict of interest or loyalty; and
• not accept donations for purposes that are inconsistent with the Foundation's objects or mission.

The Foundation shall not, directly or indirectly, pay finder’s fees, commissions or percentage compensation based on contributions.

When undertaking cause-related marketing in collaboration with a third party, we shall disclose how we benefit from the sale of products or services and the minimum or maximum amounts payable under the arrangement.